Randomly Selected

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Eric Williams to talk about The Last Block Party! We talk about everything from the origins of The Sound System Block Party and the original conception of the idea all the way to the present day of its last installment!  Eric goes down memory lane with host Mario Smith and talk about 18 years of amazing culture, community and love!  The Silver Room Sound System Block Party, founded in Chicago in 2002, is a multicultural, all-ages music and arts festival and is known as a mainstay in Chicago summers. Its roots come from the historic sound system block parties in the Bronx that connected communities through music. Having grown from a modest event for friends + family, the Block Party now attracts over 35K+ guests. We take pride in how our vibrant event highlights arts and businesses across the greater Chicagoland area, and creates a platform for famed and up-and-coming music acts. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Avery R. Young! We talk about everything from his origin story of growing up on the West Side of Chicago and how that shaped his career all the way to his current role as the Chicago Poet Laureate in Illinois and everything in between! An award-winning Poet, Educator, Musician, Artist, Composer and Producer, Avery R. Young's work spans the genres of music, performance, visual arts and literature. Young's work in performance, visual text, and sound design has been featured in several exhibitions and theater festivals, including the Chicago Hip Hop Theater Fest, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the American Jazz Museum. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Jansen Bridge! We talk about everything from his origin story and what inspired his move to Chicago all the way to things like his portrait process, his dream capture and so much more! "Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. I've lived in Chicago the previous eight years. My life story has influenced my photography. I don't have any childhood pictures or strong memories to fall back on. I use photography to transform childhood trauma into a positive by using creativity to build a community and family I never had. I want my commitment to adding value to Chicago shows in my work. Just as marketing and photography has the ability to impact businesses I believe it is also capable of changing communities. This is why I use my camera to push forward causes I believe in." You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Ann Lui and Craig Reschke of Future Firm! We talk about everything from their origin stories and their original intentions with starting The Future Firm all the way to the current days of helping reshape the design structure of Chicago and so much more! Future Firm is a Chicago-based architecture and design research office. Founded by Ann Lui and Craig Reschke in 2015, the architecture practice spans diverse scales: from exhibition spaces to residential and commercial buildings to urban and territorial speculations. We focus on using design to synthesize the aims and efforts of multiple stakeholders, catalyze transformation for individuals and groups, and create flexible space for diverse needs. We excel at working with clients who are changemakers in their own communities. Our work helps develop novel approaches towards community and belonging when multiple stakeholders come to the table. We use technical expertise and collaborative means to create spaces which bring together diverse agendas as more than the sum of their parts. Future Firm's work has been exhibited at Exhibit Columbus, Storefront for Art & Architecture, Shenzhen Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Architecture/Urbanism, New Museum's Ideas City, and the Chicago Architecture Center. The practice has been published in The Architect's Newspaper, Architect Magazine, and Wallpaper*. Future Firm also currently operates The Night Gallery, a nocturnal exhibition space on Chicago's South side, which features video and film works by artists and architects from sunset to sunrise. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Priya Shah! We talk about everything from her origin story and her international travels while studying at the University of Illinois all the way to how that impacted her to create The Simple Good and so much more! Priya is an entrepreneurship professional that was selected as a Ariane de Rothschild Legacy Fellow focused in Cross-Cultural Leadership and Innovative Entrepreneurship from University of Cambridge, Obama Foundation Strategist, nominated for Forbes 30 Under 30, amongst other honors. In addition, Priya is an international Speaker and fashion and lifestyle model based in Chicago, Producer for an upcoming documentary, Project: Building Hope and a children's book author. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Norman Teague LIVE from the Bronzeville Winery! We talk about everything from his origins of growing coming up in the Chicago Public School system and how that brought him to his present endeavors as a mentor for Chicago youth. We also talk about his hand in redesigning The Silverroom, The Bronzeville Winery and so much more! Norman Teague is  social practice artist, designer, furniture maker, and educator. Teague co-founded the Chicago-based design studio, blkHaUs Studios, and in 2019 went on to form Norman Teague Design Studios. In addition to his studio practices Teague currently resides as a professor in the school of industrial design at University of Illinois Chicago. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Mark Aguirre! We talk about everything from his origins at Westinghouse and his DePaul recruitment all the way to his love for Chicago and so much more! Mark Anthony Aguirre is an American former basketball player in the National Basketball Association. Aguirre was chosen as the first overall pick of the 1981 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks after playing three years at DePaul University. Aguirre played in the NBA from 1981 until 1994 and won two championships with the Detroit Pistons after being traded to Detroit from Dallas in exchange for Adrian Dantley. Aguirre was a three-time All-Star for Dallas. He was also the 1st Mexican-American basketball player to win an NBA title. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with the legendary Bobbito Garcia! We talk about everything from his origins in the basketball and sneaker communities and his impact on Hip Hop all the way to his current endeavors as an author of the children's book "AIM HIGH, LITTLE GIANT, AIM HIGH"! Robert "Bobbito" Garcia (born September 25, 1966), also known as DJ Cucumber Slice and Kool Bob Love, is an American DJ, author, streetball player, streetball coach, and member of the Rock Steady Crew. He is known as a former co-host of hip hop radio show The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, alongside Adrian "Stretch Armstrong" Bartos, from 1990 until 1999. In 2015, Showtime premiered a feature-length documentary on Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives, directed and written by Garcia. The film includes interviews with Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Common, Fat Joe, Rosie Perez and DJ Premier, among others. In 2018, Garcia released his third documentary, Rock Rubber 45s. It serves as his most personal film to date. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Jeanne Sparrow! We talk about everything from her origin story in radio at WGCI all the way to her current endeavors as a Fortune 100 Consultant, Self-Care Sundays and so much more! Jeanne Sparrow's three decades of award-winning work in the media with a reach of more than 500 million people, combined with her wealth of experience as a respected speaker, consultant, and faculty member at Northwestern University have shaped her perspective on the important and very necessary connection between personal value, communication skills, and success. Her extensive repertoire includes hosting her own daily TV talk show for seven years, co-hosting daily radio shows with comedic giants Steve Harvey, George Wallace, and Danny Bonaduce, and interviewing hundreds of Hollywood heavyweights, including Kevin Costner, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, and Susan Sarandon. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Channyn Parker! We talk about everything from her origin story and the beginning stages of her journey all the way to her current roles within Howard Brown Health Center and so much more! Channyn is a Human Rights advocate, public speaker, community-centric leader and Director of Strategic Partnerships for Howard Brown Health Center and serves on the board, at Equality Illinois. Prior to her current role, Channyn served as manager of The Broadway Youth Center's, Youth Development Program, and manager of Chicago House Social Service Agency's, TransLife Project (2017). You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Brandon Pope! Brandon shares his origin story of growing up in Ohio and how that sparked his move to Chicago, covering the 2012 Olympics and so much more!  Brandon is a journalist passionate about covering the issues Chicagoans care about most. He is a board member for the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, where he focuses on shepherding in the next generation of TV reporters. Brandon's mentorship experience also includes Big Brothers Big sisters. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with the one and only, Binkey! We talk about everything from his origin story of growing up with a foster family and how that lead to the meeting of his biological mom all the way to his current role as the amazing new host of Grown Folks Stories and so much more. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Asia Calcagno! We talk about her beginnings as a teacher, the first time she was published as a writer and so much more. Asia's work has been published in Third Coast, Poetry Magazine, Black Femme Collective, The Golden Shovel Anthology, Smartish Pace, riverSedge, Hartskill Review, Learn Then Burn 2, and various other journals and anthologies and has been recognized and featured by the Academy of American Poets and national brands like Acura. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with the one and only Mary Datcher! We talk about her beginnings in the music industry as a Program Director and how her career allowed her to bring some of the Hip Hop Pioneers to Chicago in the 90s.  Mary also talks about her latest endeavors in politics and so much more. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Principal and leader of Leo High School, Shaka Rawls! We talk about everything from the tools he uses to help guide the youth he oversees, how he made his way into being a Principal and so much more! You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this special episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with former Alderman of the 46th ward in Chicago, Illinois and Chicago City Council member, Helen Shiller! She shares stories from her childhood and how she was first introduced to politics, her cross-city migration to becoming the Alderman of Uptown and so much more! You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this special episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Actor, Writer and Comedian, Lisa Beasley! She shares stories from the early stages of her career as a graphic designer and how an opportunity to share her poetry lead to her being a dominant force in the industry. Lisa currently holds a monthly residency at the legendary Laugh Factory in Chicago. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this special episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Ron Trent and Eric Williams! We talk to Ron about his new album, "What do the stars say to you", his long-term friendship with Eric and how all of that led into the build out of Bronzeville Winery. We also talk to Eric about how the Sound System Block Party started and what it has become for both of these gentlemen throughout the years of hosting it. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Christopher LeMark! Christopher is the CEO & Founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health here in Chicago. We talk about everything from his career as a Jay-Z impersonator and why he chose not to continue that path all the way to the launch and continued success of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health, an organization that seeks to Normalize the physical, emotional and mental well-being in the black and brown community. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Natalie Y. Moore! Natalie is an award-winning journalist based in Chicago. Her reporting tackles race, housing, economic development, food injustice, and violence. We talk about everything from growing up as a Chicago native and her inspirations for becoming a journalist all the way to her current endeavors as a writer and so much more. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Dave Jeff! A cultural architect, a builder of brands, the creator of PHLI and the overall voice to many communities including his home base, Hyde Park! We talk about everything from growing up as a Hyde Park native and building up PHLI all the way to his current endeavors including Hyde Park Summer Fest and so much more! You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode, we sit down with Dr Tara Betts to discuss her beginnings as a poet and how that lead into a legacy that continues to grow through teaching, writing and so much more! Dr. Tara Betts is the author of Break the Habit, Arc & Hue, and the forthcoming Refuse to Disappear. In addition to working as an editor, a teaching artist, and a mentor for other writers, she has taught at several universities. She is the Inaugural Poet for the People Practitioner Fellow at University of Chicago, an Artist in Residence at Northwestern University's English Department, and founder of Whirlwind Learning Center. Tara can be found on Twitter a @TaraBetts. Her Poetry has appeared in numerous anthologies and journals, including The Breakbeat Poets, Essence Magazine, and Poetry Magazine. You don't want to miss this one!

Wanna know when Bronzeville Winery is opening???  Get the answer EXCLUSIVELY in the next episode of Randomly Selected! Episode 26 brings in Bronzeville Winery owners, Eric Williams & Cecilia Cuff, to discuss the grand opening, the journey, the details and so much more. You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Jonathan Swain. Father, small business owner, and community leader running for Congress to serve the South Side of Chicago - Get to know the man, his motives and the plan! You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode we sit down with Jason Goff! A public figure best known for his work as the Host of the Pre & Post on NBC Chicago for the Bulls and The Full Go Podcast on Spotify. We discuss everything from his humble beginning as a radio and podcast host to his now spotlighted journeys in television! We also touch on personal things such as mental health and what inspires him every day. Sit back and enjoy this amazing convo with Jason Goff! You don't want to miss this one!

For this episode we sit down with actor, author, television host and entertainment reporter, Marcellas Reynolds! We talk about everything from his humble beginnings and how they've brought him into now releasing his 2nd book, "Supreme Actresses: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Hollywood" and all things in between! Sit back and enjoy this amazing convo with Marcellas Reynolds! You don't want to miss this episode.

For this episode, we sit down with Tonika Johnson. We talk about everything from her beginnings as a photographer to her now co-founding multiple community organizations such as RAGE, Folded Map and Englewood Arts Collective. Tonika has become a major voice for the city of Chicago and we get to hear it all on this episode of Randomly Selected. You don't want to miss it!

For this special Best Of 2021 episode, we sit down with the Producer of the show and Silver Room Audio/Visual Tech, Stephan Steciw!   We talk about some of the best moments and memories of recording Season 1 with a look back at our Top 5 Most Listened To Shows, the Studio Favorites and a ton of behind the scenes insight on what went into the making of Randomly Selected. You don‘t wanna miss this very special Best Of 2021 episode!

For this episode, we sit down with the Cook County Assessor, Fritz Kaegi. We talk about everything from him being raised in Hyde Park and the changes he's seen in the neighborhood through the years all the way to current day opportunities on how to get some help with your property taxes. You don‘t wanna miss this episode of Randomly Selected with Fritz Kaegi!

For this episode, we sit down with New York native and Hip Hop Legend, Large Pro! We were able to have a Meet & Greet event live at The Silver Room that followed up with this recorded interview! We talked about everything from his beginnings as a DJ, his involvements with Nas' career and so much more! You don‘t wanna miss this special episode with Large Pro! *Originally recorded live at The Silver Room in Chicago on October 25, 2021*

For this episode, we sit down with Chicago creative, Brittney Carter. We talk about everything from her love for her family and how they've played a role in her life all the way to her current status as an elite Chicago musical artist! You don‘t wanna miss this one!

Randomly Selected is a Podcast Channel produced by acclaimed Chicago retail store, The Silver Room. Our channel will include expanded conversations featuring newsmakers, notables and underdogs, and a deeper dive with those who create and consume. Hosted by Mario Smith, our monthly series is intended to entice, encourage, and introduce all the voices inside and around our amazing community.

For this episode, we sit with Rashayla Marie Brown to discuss everything from her “nomadic” style of living and how that accelerates her goal achievement all the way to the current climate of our country maneuvering through it. You don't wanna miss this one!

For this episode of Randomly Selected we welcome in Duane E Powell! We speak to Duane about everything from his start as a music buyer at Dr Wax and how that transitioned into a career as a full-time DJ, his creation of Soundrotation Radio which has now become part of The Silver Room Digital umbrella and so much more! Listen to us discuss it all and more. Subscribe!

For this episode of Randomly Selected we welcome in Carlos Rolón, a.k.a. Dzine! We speak to Carlos about everything from growing up on the North Side of Chicago, how things like gentrification have shifted the dynamics of the city and why art can't be found in certain areas of the city. Listen to us discuss it all and more. Subscribe!

For this special episode of Randomly Selected we welcome in Jahmal Cole!  Jahmal opens up the 2021 Campaign Season by joining our host Mario Smith to talk about everything from his start with My Block, My Hood, My City & his days as a baller at Wayne St all the way through the present day running for Congress! Listen to us discuss it all and more. Subscribe!

In this episode, we sit down with Sports Radio, Podcast Host, and Media Personality Laurence Holmes! In addition to Laurence Holmes' insightful perspective, a signature feature of his Sport Radio Show is the in-studio interview with athletes, coaches and journalists, allowing for deeper discussion on their backgrounds and the day's most important topics. Herb Lawrence is the executive producer of the show. The "House of L" podcast is an intimate look at media in all forms and how it works. Here, Laurence Holmes takes you behind the curtain with your favorite media personalities, and if you like a good origin story, this one is for you. Listen to us discuss it all and more. Subscribe!

For this episode, we sit down with Ciera McKissick, to talk about everything from her being born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, her move to Chicago and all the amazing ideas she's been able to turn into her reality! Ciera McKissick is the founder of AMFM, a creative arts brand based in Chicago. She created AMFM, originally a web magazine, as an independent study project during her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied Journalism and Mass Communications. Her work since then has evolved to support emerging and established artists by offering them a platform to showcase their work and passions on a larger scale through exhibitions, web content, and curated events. As a curator and producer, she seeks to combine the arts to cultivate community, access, diversity, inclusivity, intergenerational interaction and a dynamic experience. Her work often involves collaboration through many art practices and organizations, seeking to stimulate community engagement with purpose, mission, or cause. Projects for AMFM have been featured at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the Allied Media Conference in Detroit, on Chicago's Fox 32 and ABC 7, and published in the Chicago Reader (where AMFM was named “Best New Gallery"), Chicago Tribune, Chicago SunTimes, Southside Weekly, Afropunk, Millennial Magazine, and more.

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Jacqueline Najuma Stewart to discuss everything from where her love for movies started all the way to the present day and the many hats she wears to continue fulfilling her life goals and achievements.  Jacqueline Stewart is the Chief Artistic and Programming Officer at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where she oversees the museum's curatorial, education, public engagement, film programming and publications teams.  She is on the faculty of the Department of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Chicago, where she founded the South Side Home Movie Project.  She is the author of Migrating to the Movies: Cinema and Black Urban Modernity, and co-editor of L.A. Rebellion:  Creating a New Black Cinema and the William Greaves:  Filmmaking as Mission.  She is the host of “Silent Sunday Nights” on Turner Classic Movies.

For this episode of Randomly Selected, we sit down with Dr. Amara Enyia to discuss everything from what she has learned during her recent electoral run for Mayor, how she envisions the future political climate of Chicago and the infamous "Bridge Story". Tune in for this amazing and incredibly informative episode! Dr. Amara Enyia is a Strategist, Social Innovation and Social Impact professional and public policy expert on city and state policy as well as international affairs/foreign policy with expertise in Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. She writes extensively on issues of education, economic development, fiscal policy, equity in policy and systems thinking.

For this episode, we sit down with Harvey native LaRoyce Hawkins. We talk about his upbringing in Harvey, IL, and how his role on NBC's "Chicago P.D." is important. LaRoyce Hawkins is an American actor, stand-up comic, spoken-word artist and musician. Hawkins starts on NBC's police drama Chicago P.D., where he portrays Officer Kevin Atwater. Check out the full episode and learn all about LaRoyce and his story!

Che Smith, better known by his stage name Rhymefest, is an American rapper, writer, teacher, and humanitarian from Chicago. His award winning documentary “In My Father’s House” details a journey to redeem his relationship with his estranged alcoholic father who’d been homeless for over 30 years. His work on Songs like Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks”, Common & John Legend’s “Glory” and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s “M3” has garnered countless awards including multiple Grammy’s, a Critics Choice award, Golden Globe and an Oscar.  In this episode, Rhymefest chats about it all! His roots in Chicago, owning property in Wyoming, his professional journey, and all the friends and connections along the way. 

In this episode, we sit down with Chicago native, King Marie! We were able to discuss her upbringing as part of a very musical family, her journey of "paying dues" in the Chicago Hip Hop scene as well as her current successes as a singer and so much more! You don't want to miss this one! Born on the northwest side of Chicago as Christine Marie, DJ King Marie grew up in a household of diverse musicality. Her mother was a singer in a traveling band, her original reason for coming to the States. And her brothers, both early hip-hop obsessives, were professional DJs themselves from an early age. Combine the family’s professional past in music with a household filled with her mom’s singing of disco hits in the living room and Tribe echoing through the walls from her brothers’ bedroom, and you get a partial picture of where Marie’s taste and hustle came from.

GODFREY is one of the hottest comedians on the circuit. Growing up in Chicago, he constantly got in trouble for misbehaving and being an all-around class clown. Godfrey's Nigerian parents unknowingly encouraged his bad behavior by showing him classic comedy films from an early age. While performing impressions of his college football teammates, Godfrey realized his irreverent style of comedy might be more than just a hobby.  As one of the most dominant forces in the comedy circuit, Godfrey has been seen on stages from New York and Los Angeles to Dubai. Along with his own one-hour special on Comedy Central, Godfrey recently starred in the FX pilot "Bronx Warrants," adding to his onscreen credits which include ZOOLANDER, "30 Rock," and a recurring role on "Louie." Godfrey also stars alongside Shaquille O'Neal on the TruTV series, "Upload," and been a great person to follow on social media to keep you laughing!

Silverroom Block Party 2021? In this episode, we sit down with The Silverroom Owner & Creative Director, Eric Williams!  Questions on the Block Party have been pouring in from all over, so we felt it was about time to share the big news.  And know there's BIG NEWS. In fact, we have THREE big announcements coming at you in this one! A conversation just needed to be had. Listen now and be the first to know.

For this episode, we sit down with Brandon Breaux, a multidisciplinary Contemporary American Artist based in Chicago, IL. Sit back and enjoy this live recording from 53rd St! Randomly Selected is a Podcast Channel produced by acclaimed Chicago retail store, The Silver Room. Our channel will include expanded conversations featuring newsmakers, notables and underdogs, and a deeper dive with those who create and consume. Hosted by Mario Smith, our monthly series is intended to entice, encourage, and introduce all the voices inside and around our amazing community. Visit The Silver Room for more!

For this episode, we sit down with David Kelly (Cap D) to discuss his journey from Chicago emcee, to the Chief Legal Officer for the Golden State Warriors. Randomly Selected is a Podcast Channel produced by acclaimed Chicago retail store, The Silver Room. Our channel will include expanded conversations featuring newsmakers, notables and underdogs, and a deeper dive with those who create and consume. Hosted by Mario Smith, our monthly series is intended to entice, encourage, and introduce all the voices inside and around our amazing community. Visit The Silver Room for more!

For this inaugural episode, we sit down with Chef Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant in Hyde Park, Chicago (recorded live at Virtue). Randomly Selected is a Podcast Channel produced by acclaimed Chicago retail store, The Silver Room. Our channel will include expanded conversations featuring newsmakers, notables and underdogs, and a deeper dive with those who create and consume. Hosted by Mario Smith, our monthly series is intended to entice, encourage, and introduce all the voices inside and around our amazing community. Visit The Silver Room for more!